Syracuse recruit Lewellyn Coker plays with a passion and has reputation for delivering the big hits

Rivals.comLewellyn Coker.
Syracuse, NY -- First true freshman on the field for the Syracuse University football team in 2010? Here's a vote for linebacker Lewellyn Coker of Harding High School in Warren, Ohio.

Coker, who made a recent commitment to sign with Syracuse in February, is a middle linebacker by trade but something of a terror on special teams. Considering all the problems Syracuse encountered this season covering kicks - the Orange gave up an 80-yard return for a touchdown in the season finale against Connecticut on Saturday - well, help is needed.

Harding High School coach D.J. Dota said this morning that Coker was his team's biggest hitter and often set the tone for games with tackles on kickoffs.

"I guess the biggest thing, I think he had 14 big hits for us," Dota said. "We give out big hits, like knockout hits. Whether on kickoffs, defense or on punts, he set the tone for a lot of games. He changed the game because of the big hits."

Coker, who is 6-foot and 210 pounds, was team captain for Harding, which finished 6-3-1. He led the team in tackles with 101 stops. He had three sacks, three tackles for losses, an interception and two pass breakups. Coker also served as the team's third tailback.

Two of Coker's teammates at Harding have made commitments to sign with West Virginia. They are defensive back Mike Dorsey (6-3, 201) and linebacker Davion Rogers (6-6, 210).

What Coker may have lacked in size compared to his defensive teammates, Dota said he more than made up for it with his desire and love for the game.

"Every single day, his passion to play the game, it showed up, in every play. You knew every week he would show up and play as hard as he could. There are not a lot of kids that enjoy the game like he did.

"He was a team captain for us. He did a great job in leadership, not only through his actions, but also vocally in leading our team. He plays with great passion. Lewellyn will usually will himself to accomplish things. He's a goal setter. Those are things about him that make him so special."